formate

American  

[fawr-mayt] / ˈfɔr meɪt /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a salt or ester of formic acid.

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formate British  

/ ˈfɔːmeɪt /

noun

1. any salt or ester of formic acid containing the ion HCOO ^– or the group HCOO–

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formate Scientific  

/ fôr′māt′ /

1. A salt or ester of formic acid, containing the group HCOO.

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Etymology

Origin of formate

First recorded in 1800–10; form(ic) + -ate ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

formate

This steers the reaction toward methanol production through the formate pathway.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 14, 2026

A new study from scientists at Yale University and the University of Missouri shows that catalysts made with manganese can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into formate.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 3, 2026

Formic acid, the protonated form of formate, is already manufactured at an industrial scale.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 3, 2026

This metabolism creates toxic by-products called formaldehyde, formate and formic acid.

From BBC ● Nov. 22, 2024

Tests.—Heated with caustic potash, it yields chloroform and potassium formate.

From Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by W. G. Aitchison (William George Aitchison ) Robertson

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